Relive Boom Times On A Walk Through Queenscliff

Relive Boom Times On A Walk Through Queenscliff

The Age

Saturday October 8, 2005

JANET DE SILVA

IN 1853, James Baillieu came to Port Phillip as a sailor on the Priscilla, which anchored at the quarantine station off Portsea. Tired of the captain's bullying, he jumped ship and was washed up across the bay at Shortland Bluff, Queenscliff. Baillieu found work as a boatman before becoming assistant lighthouse keeper of the Point Lonsdale lighthouse. By then it was the booming 1880s and the enterprising Baillieu managed to borrow enough money to build what is now known as the Ozone Hotel - one of several majestic 19th-century hotels that make Queenscliff one of Victoria's most preserved historic towns.

Learn more about the adventures of Baillieu and other stories behind some of Queenscliff's landmarks by participating in one of the town's guided walks. Recently introduced by the Queenscliff Information Centre, the walks - conducted by volunteer guides - have become so popular that the centre has had to enlist another four volunteers.

Highlights include visits to majestic hotels such as the Vue Grand Hotel (pictured) and heritage properties such as Thanet Terrace houses.

Volunteer guide Cora Biggins says the walks provide an overview of Queenscliff's colourful history. Mrs Biggins says she likes to include anecdotes about the first days of settlement in the 1850s through to her time as a teenager in Queenscliff during the 1950s. Mrs Biggins, whose father and grandfather were Queenscliff fishermen, recalls that at Christmas time in the 1950s, dances were held nearly every night of the week. "You would walk down the main street and see all this frivolity on the balconies of the guesthouses. People were having an absolute ball."

Guided walks are conducted most Saturdays, and at other times during peak periods. Inquiries and bookings (advisable) can be made through the Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre, 55 Hesse Street, Queenscliff. Phone 5258 4843 or visit queenscliff.org. Walks are also available for groups by appointment. The price is $8 for adults, children are free. -- JANET DE SILVA

GETTING THERE

Queenscliff is about an 11/2 hour's drive from Melbourne. Take the West Gate Bridge to Geelong and turn left into McKillop Street, which turns into the B110 and leads straight to Queenscliff. For accommodation inquiries call the Queenscliff Information Centre on 1300 884 843.